Abstract
Factor analysis programs in SAS, BMDP, and SPSS are discussed and compared in terms of documentation, methods and options available, internal logic, computational accuracy, and results provided. Some problems with respect to logic and output are described. Based on these comparisons, recommendations are offered which include a clear overall preference for SAS, and advice against general use of SPSS for factor analysis.
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Note to readers: This is the first example of a new type of paper forPsychometrika, evaluative descriptions of widely distributed programs. (Ed.).
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MacCallum, R. A comparison of factor analysis programs in SPSS, BMDP, and SAS. Psychometrika 48, 223–231 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02294017
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02294017